PROLOGUE.

If heaven had placed LauraA reference to the idealized muse of the poet Petrarch, used here to represent the author’s own source of inspiration.

At the time when my Danesoriginal: "Danois." This refers to characters from the author's previous literary works, likely a play or poem with a Scandinavian setting. lived,

Sweet masterpiece of my poem,

Of AlkentA character from the author's earlier writings, characterized here as someone requiring spiritual or moral transformation. and the Deviloriginal: "Diable." himself

She would have made Rosicruciansoriginal: "Rosecroix." Members of a secret, mystical society said to possess hidden wisdom and transformative powers. The poet suggests Laura is so enchanting that she could turn even the most wicked or rough characters into enlightened mystics..